How to Outsource App Development and Be Satisfied?

Today, we live in a fast-paced digital age when a person’s entire world can fit in a pocket, smartphones can perform almost any function, and have long replaced computers and tablets. More than 3.6 billion people are using smartphones daily, and the numbers are rapidly growing, with a whopping 4.6 billion users projected by 2024.

Along with the transition to smartphones as the new technological vehicle, there has been a significant shift in mobile app development. For one, you can now outsource app development. But more importantly, now they not only perform an entertainment function but can also replace websites and even real-life features. It seems like mobile apps are conquering all spheres of our lives, and it is essential that companies and business representatives do not miss the opportunity to extend their area of influence.

There is a question, though, of how one should approach the process of creating an app. There are two main directions: to create an app “in-house” (or “insource”, however you like), meaning using specialists that are already working for the company, or outsource mobile app development, meaning delegating the project to the external workforce. An in-house development team offers greater control over the project, enhanced security, and stronger team cohesion, but requires specific expertise and resources within the company. On the other hand, working with an outsourcing team can provide significant cost savings and access to a global talent pool, allowing companies to hire skilled developers from regions with lower salaries.

Outsourcing as a tool has recently become more popular, and there are plenty of reasons why companies consider it to be a successful strategy. Here we would like to discuss why you should opt for outsourcing and how to outsource mobile app development effectively.

Why Should You Outsource App Development?

Before we explain how to outsource app development, let’s learn the whys.

One-time projects, such as creating an app, usually go well with outsourcing, while non-core functions that have to be maintained constantly and thoroughly may require a designated department. In our case, when you are thinking about application development, outsourcing is the most rational thing to do. One of the main advantages is the cost efficiency of outsourcing app development compared to building an in-house team, as it significantly reduces overall costs and increases resource flexibility. It is fruitless to expect even a large company with a sizeable staff to provide the full range of flawlessly executed IT services.

Niche expertise within arm’s reach

For one, outsourcing an app means hiring a development team of professionals who know what they are doing. Despite being the talk of the town, mobile apps are still somewhat of an unknown territory for many companies due to the rapid pace of change in the industry. Talent accessibility is ever so important, and hiring rare specialists makes no sense for one-time projects when you can outsource a mobile developer that offers on-demand engineers.

Mobile app development outsourcing companies usually employ designers, developers, and testers with extensive experience in this particular field, so you can rest assured of a high-quality final product, whether it is an Android or iOS app. When evaluating potential vendors, it is crucial to review their previous projects or portfolio to assess their expertise and suitability for your app. However, sometimes simply having skills is not enough – you also need to know how to apply them in a particular industry (like in how to create an E-learning app or how to build an e-commerce application).

At ProCoders, for instance, we deal with very specific and clear-cut requests, like creating an IoT app for an American distilling company or developing software for a medical equipment seller. In a relatively short span of time, our team was able to immerse themselves in new areas of work and apply their top-notch code experience to create a wonderful and high-class product.

At ProCoders we work closely with Flutter, React Native and Ionic, and are capable to attune to your particular industry without any problems (so, if you want to outsource React Native development we know exactly where you should start this process). And when we are speaking about the recipe for success, there is nothing better than a well-blended team of “in-house” staff who know the business from inside and outsource app developers who can deliver results.

Sometimes it’s really all about “Time is Money”

With outsourcing, you really can have the best of both worlds – quality and speed. Delegating a task to an outsource mobile developer allows you to spend more time concentrating on the core functions of the company. Outsourcing also enables a quicker development process by leveraging efficient resource allocation and project management. And while your staff is working, a highly seasoned team of outsource app developers is working as well – all for your benefit!

After all, the work is contract-bound, so outsource developers will deliver the results on time. That way you are also minimizing the backlog risks which are harder to avoid while “in-housing”.

Avoiding costs at all cost

There are several ways to cut costs while outsourcing app development. Not only are you getting access to a high-skilled workforce, but also to all the equipment needed for their work, which means no office-related costs. And as if this is not enough, you can also combine outsourcing with offshoring by hiring specialists from Eastern Europe or India since the cost to hire an app developer there is lower (which will make, for example, the cost to build an educational app lower) and the supply in their respective labor markets now is at an all-time high. Additionally, hiring Latin American developers is becoming increasingly popular due to their cost-effectiveness and strategic advantages in the outsourcing and offshore software development industry.

The staggering five-fold difference between North America and Eastern Europe and almost seven-fold difference between North America and Asia should once and for all settle the question of the financial benefit of outsourcing (and offshoring!) mobile app development.

Outsourcing app development is proving to be more cost-effective, especially for SMEs. Imagine you decided to produce an app “in-house” without application development outsourcing. That would require acquiring all necessary resources (including manpower) and significant capital investments. Not everyone can afford it, but fortunately, mobile app development outsourcing companies exist to alleviate the financial burden and increase overall effectiveness. ways to cost-cutting while outsourcing app development. Not only you are getting access to a high-skilled workforce, but also to all the equipment needed for their work which means no office-related costs. And as if this is not enough, you can also combine outsourcing with offshoring by hiring specialists from Eastern Europe or India since the cost to hire an app developer there is lower (which will make, for example, the cost to build an educational app lower) and the supply in their respective labor markets now is at an all-time high.

The staggering five-fold difference between North America and Eastern Europe and almost seven-fold – between North America and Asia – should once and for all settle the question of the financial benefit of outsourcing (and offshoring!) mobile app development.

Outsourcing app development is proving to be more cost-effective, especially for SMEs. Imagine you decided to produce an app “in-house” without application development outsourcing. That would require acquiring all necessary resources (including manpower) and significant capital investments. Not everyone can afford it, but fortunately, mobile app development outsourcing companies exist to alleviate the financial burden and increase overall effectiveness.

When to Outsource Application Development

Scenarios

• Lack of In-House Expertise: If your team lacks the necessary skills and experience to develop a mobile app, outsourcing can provide access to a pool of skilled professionals who specialize in app development.
• Tight Deadlines: When you need to launch an app quickly, outsourcing can help you speed up the development process by leveraging the capabilities of an experienced development team that can work efficiently to meet your deadlines.
• Budget Constraints: Outsourcing can often be more cost-effective than hiring full-time in-house developers, as it eliminates the need for long-term salary commitments, benefits, and overhead costs associated with maintaining a permanent development team. Before starting work, it is important to obtain a clear project estimation to ensure mutual understanding of the project scope, costs, and expected results.

Types of Projects

• MVP Development: Minimum Viable Product (MVP) projects are ideal for outsourcing. If you need to quickly develop and test an app concept without investing heavily in an in-house team, outsourcing can provide the expertise to build a functional MVP efficiently.
• Specialized Applications: Projects that require niche skills, such as AI integration, AR/VR features, or complex backend systems, are well-suited for outsourcing. External development teams often have specialized knowledge and experience in these areas.
• Cross-Platform Development: If you need your app to run on multiple platforms (iOS, Android, web), outsourcing to a team experienced in cross-platform development frameworks like React Native or Flutter can streamline the process and ensure consistency across platforms.
• Large-Scale Projects: For large-scale projects that require significant resources and diverse skill sets, outsourcing can provide access to a broad range of expertise and allow for better resource management without overwhelming your internal team.
• Short-Term Projects: If you have a project with a defined scope and timeline, outsourcing can be an effective way to get the job done without the long-term commitment of hiring permanent staff. This flexibility allows you to scale up and down based on project requirements.
• Software Projects: Outsourcing is also widely used for other software projects beyond mobile apps. For successful delivery, it is crucial to establish clear communication and focus on risk mitigation throughout the project lifecycle.

Outsourcing app development offers a flexible and cost-effective solution for businesses facing resource constraints, tight timelines, or the need for specialized expertise. By carefully selecting the right development partner, you can ensure the success of your project while focusing on your core business activities.

How to Outsource App Development: Available Models

When considering outsourcing mobile app development, it’s important to understand the different outsourcing models available. Each model offers unique benefits and is suited to different types of app development projects, so choosing the right one can have a significant impact on your project’s success.

Fixed Price Model:This model is ideal for app development projects with a well-defined scope, clear requirements, and a fixed budget. With the fixed price model, you agree on a set price for the entire project before development begins. This approach is best when you have a detailed project plan and don’t anticipate major changes during the development process. It offers predictability in terms of cost and timeline, making it a popular choice for businesses with limited budgets or tight deadlines. However, it can be less flexible if your app idea evolves or if new features are needed mid-project.

Time and Materials Model: If your app development project requires flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing requirements, the time and materials model may be the best fit. In this model, you pay for the actual time and resources spent on development. This approach is well-suited for complex or innovative projects where the scope may change as the app evolves. It allows for ongoing adjustments and improvements, but it’s important to have strong project management in place to keep costs under control.

Dedicated Team Model: For businesses looking for a long-term partnership and a high level of control, the dedicated team model is an excellent option. With this model, you hire a dedicated team of mobile app developers who work exclusively on your project. This approach is perfect for large-scale or ongoing app development needs, as it provides direct communication, seamless collaboration, and the ability to scale your team as needed. The dedicated team model is often used by companies that want to treat their outsourced team as an extension of their in-house staff, ensuring alignment with business goals and culture.

By understanding these mobile app outsourcing models, you can select the approach that best matches your project’s requirements, budget, and desired level of involvement. Whether you need a dedicated team for a complex app or a fixed price contract for a straightforward project, choosing the right model is a key step in successful app development outsourcing.

Outsourcing App Development Risks

But it’s not that simple either. Outsourcing mobile app development is a complex process that requires dedication, expertise, and structured methodologies to manage effectively. If you want to outsource mobile app development, there are some risks, and you need to keep them in mind when deciding the direction your company is going. They are mostly manageable, but it is only wise to pay closer attention as they might be a “make or break” for some managers and ruin the overall experience.

Lack of control

You will certainly set the framework and provide directions regarding what you want to achieve, but the majority of the process will be beyond your control. This is what you have to deal with when using a contractor instead of an employee. How to outsource web app development when you are a little bit of a control freak and the thought of giving up even the littlest ounce of control makes you dizzy?

Communication is key, but you need to reach an understanding before going into collaboration. When working with offshore or outsourced teams, it is crucial to implement effective remote project management practices to maintain oversight and ensure smooth collaboration. Decide on methods and frequency of communication with a project manager from a mobile app development outsourcing company, and keep in touch as often as you need – weekly or even daily. Here at ProCoders, we acknowledge this problem and assign a project manager to every client in order to keep you up to date every step of the way.

Sensitive information shall not pass

Involving a third party is always risky, but especially when said party gets to work with sensitive information, you might not want to get out. When you are outsourcing app development, working with outsiders is inevitable. Because a successful app must include all ins and outs of a business process, your outsourcing partner might need to access confidential data. It is crucial to ensure that all sensitive data, including customer information and business secrets, is properly protected during outsourcing.

Additionally, make sure your outsourcing partner complies with all relevant data protection rules and legal requirements to safeguard your intellectual property and maintain confidentiality.

To minimize the risk of leakage, you need to work with reputable outsourcing companies with outstanding reputations and draw up a strong non-disclosure contract. Better safe than sorry!

Houston, we have a communication problem

Communication problems may stem from different sources, but there is no doubt that outsourcing or offshoring sometimes is at the very root of them. Communication between the client and the contractor may result in mismatched expectations when the product is different from what the client had hoped for.

Usually, that happens when the requirements are either ill-defined or poorly understood. To keep that from happening, both sides need to communicate with as much transparency as possible. The client needs to establish guidelines from the beginning and have a clear scope of what needs to be achieved. It is essential to set up clear business communication protocols before project kickoff, including rules for task assignment, reporting, meetings, and negotiation of communication procedures.

Communication problems also include language barriers, notably with offshoring. This problem can be easily eradicated by using English as the universal language – outsource app developers in Eastern Europe, for example, usually take English courses at the university level for several years, so their skill allows them to communicate without any problems.

Steps to Outsource App Development

Now that you are aware of all risks and opportunities, you can make a well-considered decision based on your capabilities and needs. To successfully outsource app development, it is important to follow best practices and strategies that help ensure a positive outcome. If you’re wondering how to outsource mobile app development using all of the abovementioned benefits, here are some steps you can take.

Step 1. Create an outline of your project

…and make it as comprehensive as possible. To avoid communication mishaps, you need to convey your ideas. In particular, because you are working with outsource app developers and not your employees. It is also crucial to protect your app ideas during the outsourcing process to safeguard your intellectual property. Comprehensive project documentation is essential to provide clear guidance, maintain security standards, and support successful project execution. We suggest you answer the following questions:

• What is the main aim of your app?
• Who is the target audience?
• What functions and features do you want it to have?
• What problem should this app solve for your potential users?
• Do you want to build an Android app or an iOS app? Maybe both?
• What core values of the company do you want to incorporate into this app?
• What is your budget? (An approximate estimate will suffice)

Note that when you outsource app development, the company usually pays the costs. You can even extend the research by thinking about aesthetics and usability, but those things usually come up much later in the process, and it is easier to discuss them further along the line. As a result, you should have a solid outline and a clear direction. Businesses that lack this may choose offshore mobile developers and lose their vision.

Knowing that this step is of utmost importance, at ProCoders, we even have a separate service called the “Discovery phase” where we interview our clients and help them come up with a highly detailed roadmap of offshore app development. For example, if you want to build a language learning app, everything from a general idea to a comprehensive schedule will be put together by a team of capable and competent developers.thout any problems.

Step 2. Decide who you want to work with: a mobile app development outsourcing company or a freelance developer

When it comes to outsourcing mobile app development, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to partner with a mobile app development outsourcing company or hire a freelance developer. Each option has its own advantages, and the right choice depends on your project’s complexity, budget, and the level of expertise required.

Mobile App Development Outsourcing Companies: Outsourcing companies typically offer a full-service approach, providing access to a team of skilled professionals, including project managers, designers, developers, and testers. This means you benefit from a wide range of expertise and a structured development process, which can be especially valuable for complex or large-scale app development projects.

These companies often have established workflows, quality assurance processes, and a proven track record, making them a reliable choice for businesses seeking high-quality results and accountability. If your project requires ongoing support, scalability, or integration with other systems, working with an outsourcing company can provide the stability and resources you need.

Freelance Developers: Freelancers can be a cost-effective solution for smaller or less complex app development projects. They offer flexibility and can often adapt quickly to changes in project requirements.

If you have a limited budget or need to develop a simple app, hiring a freelance developer might be the right fit. However, freelancers may have narrower specializations and might not provide the same level of support or reliability as a full-service outsourcing company. Communication and project management can also be more hands-on, as you’ll likely be coordinating directly with the developer.

Making the Right Choice: When deciding between a mobile app development outsourcing company and a freelance developer, consider the size and scope of your project, your budget, and the level of expertise required. For most businesses, especially those new to app development outsourcing, partnering with an established outsourcing company offers greater peace of mind, quality assurance, and access to a broader skill set. However, for quick, straightforward projects, a freelancer may be the most efficient and cost-effective option.

By carefully weighing your options, you can choose the outsourcing model that best aligns with your business goals and ensures a successful app development experience.

Step 3. Choose your fighter: where to outsource….

When it comes to location, there are three mobile application development outsourcing models: onshore, nearshore, and offshore. 2020 and 2021 made it clear that remote work is as effective in this day and age as ever, so you should consider offshoring as your location priority. The most popular countries for this are Ukraine, China, India, Mexico, and Poland. Working with offshore mobile app developers offers significant cost savings and gives you access to a diverse pool of expertise, making it an attractive option for many businesses.

In Eastern Europe, you can outsource professional mobile app developers for hire for lower rates without compromising the quality of the final product (on the contrary, in Asia, the quality may vary drastically). Eastern Europe, Ukraine in particular, is also known for its IT developers’ density – 1.3 developers per 100 people.

Another competitive advantage Ukraine has to offer is a Western-like mentality that won’t cause any misunderstandings regarding cultural codes and cultural differences. And, as previously mentioned, we can’t underestimate the importance of language fluency, especially when you want to outsource mobile app development.

Here at ProCoders, all our developers and project managers communicate without barriers, which greatly facilitates the work.

…and how much it costs

The easiest way to calculate the cost of developing a mobile app is to estimate the number of hours needed to create every single feature for your app and then multiply it by the hourly rate of your developers of choice. Understanding the outsource app development cost is crucial, as it is typically calculated based on developers’ hours and initial estimates, helping you make informed decisions and avoid unexpected expenses.

Before starting development, it is important to obtain a clear project estimation. This ensures mutual understanding of the project scope, costs, and expected results, which is essential for successful outsourcing.

We’ve already touched upon this topic, so you are aware of the average hourly rates of the regions, with North America and Western Europe topping the list of the most expensive developers out there. If you are on a budget, you might consider offshoring as your best format for application development outsourcing.

A common misconception about offshoring is the “quality vs price” debate, but we think it has become obsolete a long time ago. You don’t have to choose between quality and low price, you can safely have both – it’s a matter of seeking an appropriate candidate for your needs. There are plenty of mobile app development outsourcing companies that can provide you with excellent services.

And if you are thinking about how to outsource mobile app development with all possible perks, offshoring in Eastern Europe might be the option you’d want to consider. Among the countries of Eastern Europe, Ukraine is typically preferred for IT outsourcing since it can provide skilled manpower at an affordable price. So, in reality, when you take it all into account, there are hardly any disadvantages to that at all.

Step 4. Research the market

The market in 2024 has plenty to offer. However, it is both a gift and a curse since you have to find “The One” – the perfect outsourcing partner for the job. The task is challenging, and the fact that Information Technology outsourcing trends constantly change is not helping at all, so if you are determined to outsource a mobile developer who is qualified and professional, you have to spend some time on the Internet.

We would suggest checking out Golance, Clutch, or GoodFirms – a nice starting point to look for offshore mobile app development outsourcing model companies. When searching, it is crucial to evaluate each app development agency or mobile app development company based on their experience, reputation, and portfolio. Selecting an established development company with a proven track record will help ensure your project’s success. They also may offer some insight on how to outsource app development in 2023 and what trends are reigning in the market right now. Here you need to consider the following factors:

• Skills
• Budget
• Location
• Portfolio
• Reviews

Make sure the offshore mobile app development company’s profile on these sites contains complete and comprehensive information about their previous experience, specialization, client focus, and, preferably, approximate hourly rate. For reference, you can check our profiles on Clutch and Upwork. With the data provided on these resources, you can see whether the mobile app outsourcing company is a fit even before contacting them, and utilize your valuable time to the fullest.

When it comes to portfolio evaluation, you need to assess whether the company’s portfolio aligns with your requirements and preferences. By looking at the projects they’ve made in the past and also previous clients’ reviews, you can determine whether it’s a hit or a miss.

And there’s a tip on how to outsource app development as successfully as you can: never settle for the first company you encounter. Always make sure you exhaust every possibility and opportunity, and check as many outsourcing development companies as you can.

Step 5. Conducting an interview

Now that you have a shortlist of all the potential candidates, it’s time to interact with them. The trick is that you need to ask the right questions and pay attention to even minute details. Remember, outsourcing any type of work, including mobile app development, is all about efficiency.

Outsourcing streamlines the hiring process by reducing the complexities and time involved in building an internal team, allowing you to quickly access a pool of qualified professionals.

An interview is not only about learning whether a person can code (but it certainly won’t hurt to give a technical task before putting out a contract or outsourcing mobile application development straightaway); it’s also about the relevant experience (like have they ever worked with gamified learning apps?), their expertise as a software developer, and their familiarity with the required tech stack.

Additionally, ensure the team includes specialized roles such as iOS developers if your project involves complex mobile applications. Interpersonal communication is also key. Take note if your potential partner took the time to send you a personalized message, showing that he familiarized himself with your business and is eager to work with you. Use this opportunity to request some additional information if needed.

Step 6. Make it work

Now that you are hooked on the perfect match, you simply need to make it work, and obviously, we have a tip. Communicate with your partner regularly. Don’t be shy and ask for app mock-ups or updates. First of all, because it’s usually easier to fix things in the beginning, but secondly, you will feel more comfortable, especially if this is your first experience with application development outsourcing.

Working with reliable outsourcing partners is crucial, as they provide ongoing support and maintenance services to keep your app efficient and up-to-date, ensuring high user satisfaction and retention. Additionally, a business development manager often plays a key role in managing client relationships, customizing projects to your needs, and securing successful project delivery throughout the partnership.

Conclusion

Hopefully, the question of how to outsource mobile app development now seems less daunting for you. When it comes to application development, outsourcing is truly the most effective option, especially if you are an SME with limited resources.

When you choose to outsource your app development, you gain access to specialized skills, benefit from cost savings, and enjoy improved flexibility to adapt to your project’s needs.

Outsourcing is not a miracle drug or a cure-all in any way, as there are some risks you might want to consider, but in the end, they could be mitigated when working with pro experts in this area. Thankfully, at ProCoders, we have a wide experience in app development and are ready to help our clients create a world-class product.